LOCATION :: Gateway to Delray

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Gateway to Delray by Chip Bunnell Photography

Click to Enlarge – See the Details

The outside temperature read 43 degrees on this crisp January morning. As I pointed the car towards the fast approaching sunrise, I questioned where I would go to capture the first colors of the new day. Admittedly, I had a little bit of a late start, but this actually opened up a new possibility.

The little city of Delray Beach continues to grow. Atlantic, the avenue not the ocean, is brimming with new restaurants and shops, many with a distinctively sheik flare. The old schoolhouse is now a square in the center of the action, hosting festivals and activities year around. Art and culture are a big part of this revitalization project.

So the question is how do you let those exiting off I-95 know what they are about to enter? How about a colorful and unique gateway? The joint team of the landscape architects and engineers from the PBS&J firm coupled with textile artist Michelle Newman designed a manicured green space with 6 creative vertical columns. Various aspects of Delray’s culture are represented in the artistry. Each is lit to allow viewers to enjoy the details not only during the day, but also during night viewings. Ironically, it was only because of my later than planned start that allowed me to see wonderful colors in the background dawn sky and be inspired to make this frame.

Once again, images are everywhere…if you are prepared and take the time to seek them out.

Photo Stuff: Single frame, Processed in LR and Topaz Clarity. I incorporated a slightly lower position to add height and drama to the art as well as push the columns further into the morning sky.

www.ChipBunnell.com

#southflorida, #sunrise, #streetart, #delraybeach, #chipbphoto, #cityscape, #morning

LOCATION :: Windy Fall Road

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Windy Fall Road by Chip Bunnell PhotographyA recent assignment took me to the mountains surrounding Asheville, NC. I was fortunate to be there during the height of “leaf peeping” season. Being a self-professed, modern day beach enthusiast, I have had little experience in peeping on leaves, but was excited to see what all the fuss was about. I am happy to report the adventure did not disappoint.

The leaves were at their peak. Everywhere I looked I had traded my familiar flowing palms for tall, majestic trees covered in florescent orange and fiery gold leaves. There was just enough wind to send some of leafy colors to the ground like huge pieces of confetti celebrating the season. The thick forest had a rich contrast as I scanned from the individual tree textures to the large trunks that seemed to go on into infinity. Being a car enthusiast, some of my favorites scenes were the windy roads as I climbed and descended along the rugged mountain sides. One particular scene stands out.

Just over the South Carolina boarder I found myself on a quiet 2-lane road. The tight corners and hair pin turns seemed to go on and on. I pulled over to admire a curvy stretch and make a few final frames of the wonderful fall colors. In the distance, I heard the familiar sound of a finely tuned classic German sports car. Seconds later, a beautiful maintained Porsche 911 gracefully passed me as it confidently handled each corner with the greatest of ease. I could swear I caught a glimpse of the driver’s face, smiling with an almost childlike joy, as he piloted his dream car through a perfectly picturesque setting. As he vanished around the distant bend, I couldn’t help thinking back to my own times behind the wheel of my dream cars image the feelings of freedom I felt.

Such a simple moment became a true gift I enjoyed and captured. This windy fall road once again proves my belief that the journey is greater than the destination.

Photo Stuff:  Single frame, Processed in LR

www.ChipBunnell.com